THE TV presenter forever linked with the 'Swingometer' is to address llkley Literature Festival.

Peter Snow, the former Newsnight presenter and veteran of many an election night, has been confirmed as one of the speakers at this year's event.

He will be joined by his wife and fellow broadcaster, Ann Macmillan, when they discuss their new War Stories book at the King's Hall on Tuesday, October 10.

Other speakers that have been confirmed include award-winning journalist and broadcaster Victoria Derbyshire and Alex Wheatle, the winner of the Guardian children's fiction prize.

Victoria will speak about her book Dear Cancer, Love Victoria: A Mum’s Diary of Hope, a first-hand account of the presenter’s battle with breast cancer, at the King’s Hall on Saturday, September 30.

Alex, meanwhile, will be sharing a new story from the fictional South Crong council estate when he performs on Monday, October 9 at Ilkley Playhouse.

Another big name taking part, joining a line-up that includes playwright Alan Bennett, comedian Sarah Millican and scientist Richard Dawkins, is satirist and writer Armando Ianucci.

The creator of hit political sitcom The Thick of It will discuss his love of classical music when he addresses the audience at the King's Hall on Saturday, October 7.

Festival Director Rachel Feldberg said: "The 2017 Festival line-up includes some of the biggest names in the worlds of poetry and literary fiction alongside provocative speakers with the ability to make us all think in exciting ways.

"Our topics this year, from Borders, Boundaries and Partition, Making or Faking? New Approaches to the News, to Women’s Writing and the First World War will give our audiences the opportunity to hear about topical subjects from

the academics, writers and specialists who know them best."

One of the world's leading Shakespearean actors, Michael Pennington, will also be taking part - as will award-winning poet, playwright, novelist and broadcaster Simon Armitage.

Pointless creator and co-presenter Richard Osman, meanwhile, will makes his festival debut by attempting to answer questions like ‘what is the nation’s favourite biscuit?’, posed in his book The World Cup of Everything.

A host of non-fiction writers, covering subjects ranging from gardening and cooking to comedy and sport, have also been lined up.

Very young festival goers can look forward to seeing Ben Faulks, aka Mr Bloom from the CBeebies TV show Mr Bloom's Nursery.

Young adult fiction writer Samantha Shannon, meanwhile, will be talking about her latest dystopian fantasy, The Song Rising.

Tickets are on sale now and can be booked online at ilkleyliteraturefestival.org.uk or by calling the box office on (01943) 816714.